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Wingham Advance-Times, 1980-01-02, Page 12: : ••••••4, VOingbainAciganee-Tinies, January 2, 1980 7 ors in Amort The feeling of Christmas • by Mary Jean Kernaghan 'R yip .almost Christmas Eve .and'*'0 lea was helping her MOth.fir dean up the kitchen after Pk( finished preparing the turkey and cutting up the vegetables for the next day. She felt rather sad and couldn't understand why. There were Christmas carols on_ the radio and she wondered why there was a -depressed feeling inside her when everyone else seemed so happy. She was sitting in a big com- fortable chair with her feet up when she heard a rap on the door. It was her friend Vatasha and she called out to her, "Hey Erica, do you want to come out with the rest of us kids? We are going Christmas caroling." Erica quickly dressed in her warmest clothes and ran to meet the gang who had gathered in front of old Mr. and Mrs. Mc- Donald's house. The path in front of their house had not been shovelled as the McDonalds were shutins and had very few visitors. They started singing "0 Come All Ye Faithful", then "0 Little Town of Bethlehem" and they could see Mr. and Mrs. Mc- Donald at the big picture window Smiling and waving. They went to the next house and they sang "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" and Mrs. Smith, who lived there alone, wished them a Merry Christmas. They travelled up Main Street, stop- ping to sing at the Nursing Home and some of the people who lived there sang along with them. They stopped at Bill's restaurant and sang "Jingle Bells" and Bill called to them to come in and have -a hot chocolate. That was fun and they got their hands warmed up. They sang as they went to SELLING OR BUYING? usgp AND NEW „ *Sprayers °S,KecKIT's "5w4;thers "Tractors *Loaders 'Combines • *Cultivators *Coolers "Feeders OR ANY OTHER FARM MACHINE? Get Fast Results NOW. Advertise in Low Cost • Big Readership • CROSSROADS CLASSIFIEDS The BigPaper in the Big Five Counties with 55,000 Readers! CALL TODAY 357,2320 WINGHAM 291-1660 LISTOWEL 323-1550 MOUNT FOREST MARY JEAN KERNAGHAN Sacred Heart Erica's end of the street and Mrs. Brown, who was in a wheelchair, opened the door and said, "Thank you and God bless you". Erica was in front of her house now and she said good-bye to the gang and went in and put her heavy clothes away. She sat in the big chair and put her feet up and she felt a happy warm Christmas feeling come over her. She realized then that the way to feel happy is to make others happy. . • ; t Christmas at the crazy house by Sean Kieffer It was the day before Christ- mas and Santa , was thinking. Mrs. Clausmalked into the room. "What's wrong, dear?" she asked. "I was just thinking how I could keep away from Crazy House this year. The children there deserve presents like other children but something weird goes on down at that place on Christmas. Why, I remember last year when I was going down the chimney everything seethed to be fine. When I got to the bottom a fire started. I almost burned off my britches! When I got, back up, instead of eight reindeer I had elephants and instead of a sleigh I had a little toboggan. I tried to get through the windows and doors but they were locked. When I went back to the roof all the windows and doors popped open. Instead of elephants I had eight dogs and a dog sled. I looked down the chimney and all of a sudden, up came a gush of water ! It blew me miles away and I had to walk back. When I got back I just broke a window ' and threw the toys in!' I went up to the roof ....oh, dear, you better sit down for this one I went up to the roof and there wasn't a dog or elephant in sight. All there was was a mouse. A tiriy little mouse. I just lay down and cried. All of a sudden my sleigh popped -back and then my reindeer, so I hopped in my sleigh and took off." "Oh dear, that was airfull" said Mrs. Claus. Santa started to get ready for the big day ahead. First he toOlt twelve-hour nap and he had a bad, dream about Crazy House. Then he ate his 22 -course meal. Then - he went on hiS bag -filling spree. First he went to the tin soldier department, then the doll department, theball department, the car department and hundreds more.'Santa needs lots of toys for all the children of the world to play with. Santa was still worried about y -Crazy, House but he swore that he would get presents to the children' of Crazy House. (The children didn't know that the house was crazy, of course!) He put his bag in the sleigh. He gave a bale, of hay to the reindeer. Then he went and put on his best red and white suit. (Of course, all his suits, were red and white but this was his new one.) He trimmed his beard and combed his hail'. He prac- tised his ho-ho-hoing. Then he, put on his hat and mittens. He got in his sleigh and with a ho -ho -ho he took off. He thought he'd go to the South Pole and work his way up to the North Pole. (That's where Santa lives, you know.) Crazy House was somewhere in the middle of all this work. The first place he went was the Wallbangers. He slid down the chimney. For the little boy he left a race car set, a cowboy hat and a Harold s Happy Christmas by Todd Stainton There was once a man named Harold. Harold was a very old man with many problems like needing money. He had an old dog named Skippy and ,an old Snowmobile. • Harold lived in a shack. One day he went to the lake for some ice fishing. Old Skippy loved to watch the- fish through the hole. "I got one!" yelled Harold as he tried to pull it out.. "Se's a vicious beast!" Failyhis ottrbones ga4eieut and Hariid put him m the back of the snowmobile. The old Snowmobile backfired three times, then started off to the shack. "Tonight we'll have fish ' With our can of beans, Skippy," Harold said proudly. ThineXt day HarOld went into ) ' Christmas visitors Sunday, December 23, with Mr. and Mrs. • Wilford Caslick, Patrick Street, were Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Caslick, Alyssa and Craig of Sarnia, Allr. and Mrs. Brian Caslick, Scott and Stephen, London, Mr. and Mrs. Ross Caslick and Peter, London, Mr. and Mrs. Tim Collyer and Jonathan, Napanee, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Caslick of Lucknow, Mrs, Earl Caslick and Mr. and Mrs. Bili King, Murray and Janice, all of Wingham. WRITE IT DOWN AND TELL IT LIKE IT IS! ... GRIPES .. BOUQUETS ... QUESTIONS . ASWERS. OR !PRATEVER Write a letter to the Editor, keep it under 500 words, sign it, don't be slanderous or defamatory. Then send it to THE WINGHAM ADVANCE -TIMES 390, WInghorn, Ontario NOG 2W0 al 4 town. He went into the drug store to get dog food for Skippy. At the shelf 'where the dogl food was there was a black wallet. Harold opened it up. "Holy cow, money!" The big question was what to do with the money. That night he read in the newspaper that a person had lost 3,000 dollars. He started to count.... 1,000,...2,000....3,000. Yep, that's 3,000 dollars! Harold ran like a rabbit to the police office. The Chief was pleased to see that someone had found the money. "Do you know whose money that is?" "No, not really." ' "Well, it's the millionaire Jack Benjamin's." The next day was Christmas. Skippy was happy because he could sleep under the tree. "Well, let's go to the city," said • the old man. When Harold and Skippy arrived at the Benjamin man- sion, they knocked on the huge door. A maid answered. "Yes?" "We're here to see Mr. len- jamin.", They were led to a big room where Mr. Benjamin sat. "Are you here to see me?" "Yes," answered Harold. Mr. Benjamin felt sorry for Harold and Skippy so he let them keep one thousand dollars. When Harold got home, he said to Skippy, "This is the happiest Christmas yet!" baseball. For the little girl he lett a doll, a teddy bear and a little bracelet. For the two of them, he left a little puppy. Santa ate. the snack the children had for him. Then he took the carrots they had left for the reindeer and Went up the chimney. He fed thecarrots to the reindeer and took off. Half the night he worked. Then all too soon he came to Crazy House. He slowly pulled up onto the roof. He ducked into his sleigh. He slowly and cautiously looked up. He stepped toward the chimney. "I won't look down that chimney again," said Santa. There was a note nailed to the chimney. It said, "Dear Santa, I'm sorry but I can't terrorize you this year. Your enemy, Craiy House's Ghost." Santa just smiled. He gave the children their presents and moved on his way. TODD STAINTON Wingham Public School The Christmas Blizzard By Bonnie Perry The year of the Dec. 24 blizzard will he long remembered. The snow began at 3 p.m. It had been cold and windy all day, but no weather forecast,had warned of snow. In minutes it became a raging blizzard. Shoppers laying in last minute supplies were caught by surprise. They quickly hurried from the gaily decorated, warm havens in the stores tohurry home before the storm' worsened. Travellers homeward bound for the holiday were caught completely un- prepared. It was soon evident BONNIE PERRY Turnberry that many would be stranded far from home and loved ones, • it also soon became known that the storm was widespread, covering an area of. 300 square miles. Radio of,,, repeated warnings for motorists to find shelter and not try to continue. Policemen tried to close highways whenever and wherever they could reach inter- sections. Many homes along major high- ways were soon overflowing with stranded motorists. Snowmobiles were used to rescue snowbound travellers. Imagine having 20 extra people drop in unexpectedly on Christ- mas Eve. The true meaning of Christmas was more evident that year than for many before or since. People were united by a common problem. Just. think .or sharing gifts on Christmas morning and all the sing -songs you would be able to have among yourselves. It's not too often that you get 20 people, you and your family together .with just one small turkey like some of the people I know of. After the blizzard was over and it was safe to go outside my friend came over 'Co my house and told me about her ex- periences that Christmas. She said that everypne. in her family learned how to share with people they didn't even know; but most of all they learned the true meaning of Christmas 1 R. W. BELL OPTOMETRIST • GODERI(H The Square 524-7661 nreeltimetaadammeemalonsiemcm.....,ceila• SEAN KIEFFER Sacred Heart 14' „ . the scene_e the forest quid Peggto ,have a very festive at- OMPherikt • wvitalt. sat beside- a craeldlaglire, roasting chestnuts while . a large rusty -colored St Bernet:444Y on a rig nearby. At 010' ether end of the room stood a tall fifteen year old boy, peering out through the window into the dark, snowy night. If you would look more Closely, however, you would notice that something was wrong. The woman roasting the nuts let them burn without noticing, and her son was warriedly watching the dark , forest surrounding their home. Finally the boy turned to his mother. "Ma, I'm going out to look for Dad now." Before he had finished speaking, his mother leaped up, ran across the room and grabbed her son's arm. "No Chet, you' can't! Your father has been gone for three hours now and it won't be off any use to look for him now. . ." "No Ma, you can't make nae stay," he pushed her gently into a chair. "But you're all I have now!" she protested desperately. "I'll be all right," he replied struggling into his old tattered snowsuit. As he stepped towards the door his mother handed him a thermos of whiskey and a pack of sand- wiches. "I hope you won't/need them, but just in case. . ." her voice trailed off. "Take care, Chet and come back soon, do you hear me?" - • "I'll watch out for myself. Bye Ma," he replied impatient to be off, and strode out of the door, with Rusty, the dog following closely. • AS his eyes adjusted to the gloom, he noticed to his worry, that the wind had noticeably increased. He walked as briskly* he could through the snowy forest, always following his father's dis- tinct footsteps. An escaping horse was his father's cause off departure. ran holies ,ploilding rgrett*Op. SOW* chit ettet not (949g toOmer's advice, when ' togidea'!ely te spotted a 'psoirement ;MUNI the' ftlit WO. At the sffille itiStolt, Rusty sent up a volley ofhaylts into the ellllucsa, The shape .gaye a startled grunt fiat), galloped of amidst elands of flying saw. The missing horse! Thinking that his father must be nearby, Chet called loudly into the dark forest. The only answer was silence. During the last hour, the wind had steadily gained in power, until it almost had the force of a gale, chilling' his _body, and numbing his hands and face. Ills' feet felt like blocks of ice, but nevertheless he continued stumbling on. Finally he had no choice but open the thermos of whiskey. He took a small sip and felt the liquid burn its way down his throat, filling him with a comforting warmth. Strengthened, he continued on • his way,_ calling at intervals for his father, but never was there a reply. Even Rusty's keen nose found no trace of the man. Chet was almost ready to drop down from tiredness, when through the swirling snow, he saw a burning light. Staggering wearily towards it, he discovered it to be a log cabin, . slightly smaller than his own. An old man in a pair of baggy trousers and dirty white shirt answered Chet's knock. "Hody sonny," he drowled. "What'cha doing here this time o'night?" Before the boy could reply, the Before the boy could reply, the man took hold of his arm and led him into the cabin. "I'm looking for my father, sir. Was he here?" Chet questioned. "No he wasn't." The man's watery blue' eyes glanced sympathetically at him. "Nother thing sonny. Don't call me sir. I ain't used to that. Call me Sam," Raising his voice he yelled, "Hey Mame! Look what I found wand'ring 'round in the storm!" A small stocky woman came bustling into the room, wearing a bright cheerful smiler When -Chet had repeated his storyto her, she hurried him into the kitchen like a: protective mother hen guarding her chick. After forcing him into a chair, she put a plate piled with turkey, cranberry sauce, hot rolls and a ELISABETH OTTO East Wiwanosh, salad in front of him, followed by the traditional plum pudding. It turned into the best meal he had ever eaten. When it was over, he collapsed drowsily into his chair until the thought of his father lost in the blizzard, frightened him awake. I As he was trying to convince his host it was necessary to go and search for his father, a faint knock sounded at the door. All' three of them rushed towards the door and opened it. A snow- covered figure staggered inside and sank to the floor. It was Chet's father! After they had revived him with hot nourishing soup, he told them his story. After losing track of the horse he had wandered around in a circle several times and only the, hope of finding a cabin kept him .• going. Suddenly he saw a light shining in front of him. Even though he believed it to be an illusion he followed the beamand came to the cabin. - Chet and his father had a wonderful time at their new friend's place. They sang carols ,. and afterwards went to bed. The following morning they wandered back to their cabin and found -the mother waiting anxiously. What a meeting! That night, they had another Christmas ,evea. though it wasn't Christmas Eve any longer. It was the most wonderful ‘, Christmas Eve that they ever had in their whole life. "" • • . ' !r •t+•rs e•• g 4.4r. The Huron County Board of Education A EVENING CLASSES CENTRAL HURON SECONDARY SCHOOL Clinton Phone 482-3471 Monday Night (Starting Jan. 14, 1980) BASIC SEWING • 8 weeks COOKING (GOURMET) -10 weeks FURNITURE REFINISHING -10 weeks QUILTING - 10 weeks SEWING - Blyth Public School - 8 weeks WELDING - 10 weeks Tuesday Night (Starting Jan. 15, 1980) ART -10 weeks FIRST AID - 8 weeks HAIRDRESSING -10 weeks KARATE - 10 weeks SEWING (Advance Knits) - 8 weeks Wednesday Night (Starting Jan. 16, 1980) CROCHET AND KNITTING -10 weeks UPHOLSTERY -10 weeks Monday Night (Starting Mardi 24, 1980) CERAMICS - 8 weeks:. Tuesday Night (Starting Mardi 25, 1980) WOMEN'S FITNEBS - 10 weeks Wednesday Night (Starting Feb. 13, 1980) GOLF - '10 weeks F. E. MADILL SECONDARY SCHOOL Wingham Phone 357-1800 Tuesday Night (Starting Jan. 8, 1980) HAIR STYLING -10 weeks LADIES' AUTO MECHANICS - 10 weeks MACRAME -8 weeks STANDARD FIRST AID -8 weeks WELDING (BASIC) - 10 weeks. Wednesday Night (Starting Jan. 9, 1980) DECORATIVE TUBE PAINTING - 10 weeks FLOWER ARRANGING - 8 weeks LADIES' PHYSICAL FITNESS -10 weeks QUILTING -6 weeks Monday Night (Starting April 7, 1980) ADVANCED KNITS - 10 weeks GOLF FOR BEGINNERS - 8 weeks Thursday Night (Starting April 10, 1980) BASIC KNITS - 10 weeks GODERICH DISTRICT COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE Goderich Phone 524-7353 Monday Night (Starting Jan. 7, 1980) BADMINTON -10 weeks BRIDGE (INTERMEDIATE) -10 weeks ENGLISH FOR NEW CANADIANS GOLF - 10 weeks HEATING WITH WOOD, WIND POWER AND SOLAR ENERGY -8 weeks Tuesday Night (Starting Jan. 8, 1980) PHOTOGRAPHY - 5 weeks SEWING (ADVANCED) - 10 weeks Wednesday Night (Starting Jan. 9, 1980) ENGLISH FOR NEW CANADIANS VOLLEYBALL. (Adults) Colborne Central Public School - 10 weeks ST. JOHN'S AMBULANCE - beginning In March, 1980 Thursday Night (Starting Jan. 10, 1980) STRETCH SEWING (Advanced). 10 weeks TENNI&- beginning in May, 1980 GARDENING - beginning in April, 1,980 ENROL NOW! SEAFORTH mono' HIGH SCHOOL Seaforth Phone 521-6380 Monday Night (Storting Jan. 7, 1980) BASIC HOME REPAIRS FOR LADIES AND MEN -5 weeks Tuosekty Night (Starting Jan. 8, 1980) BRIDGE - 10 weeks LIQUID EMBROIDERY 10 weeks Wedneiday Night (Starting Jan. 9, 1980) MIXED ADULT BADMINTON -10 weeks Ihtirsday Night (Starting Jan. 10, 1980) - MEN'S BASKETBALL • 10 weeks MIXED ADULT CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING one evening class on Ihursdeb'Jan. 17, 1980 followed by 5 Suridey afternoon sessions. Some courses may have to be cancelled if insufficient interest is indicated by enrolment. For further info 4.44,411 +14, a.,` , phone the school. .renromemaammumeeremmemosenmememsumemmummamometanwesores....imenramriesemereana,